The marks we make doing calligraphy can be strong, fluid, sensuous and downright yummy. Each lettering style has a distinct personality that creates a unique mood. In this class we will explore the different traits and general structures of pointed brush lettering, Roman capitals and Neuland to gather the essence of each style to develop abstract paintings based on calligraphic form.

Here we will not actually be creating letters, but through a series of exercises we will study the letters’ shapes and spaces, colors and shades of light, to find a personal connection with them. Working with various tools, gestures, our senses and intuition, we will discover the images, thoughts and feelings that spontaneously arise within us in relation to each lettering style. We will allow these images to guide our marks on the page and follow the expression of these marks to complete works of art and a book that each participant will make.

Lessons on the elements and principles of design, and using color will be woven into the fabric of this workshop; so even those with no formal art-training can learn this process of using familiar letter styles as a portal into the exciting world of artistic expression.